Children`s Council Says Public Backs Tax-increase Plan

The Children`s Services Council is pondering a 43.6 percent tax increase for Palm Beach County residents, and some people think that is too little, a council member said on Tuesday.

The typical property owner would pay a few dollars more to the council this fall, continuing a trend of double-digit tax increases since the children- helping council began levying taxes in 1987.

But some people do not mind.

``The biggest criticism we`ve really gotten is we`ve moved too slow,`` said council member Ken Spillias, whose tax district finances such projects as child care and drug-abuse prevention.

Under the proposal, the owner of a $100,000 home who claims the $25,000 homestead exemption would pay about $16.50, Executive Director Barbara Kauffman said. Last year, that owner paid about $11.50.

The new tax would be 22 cents for every $1,000 in taxable property value. Currently, it is 15 cents.

The extra money would go to children`s programs and the council`s overhead costs, amounting to about 20 percent of the proposed $11.29 million budget. Kauffman is asking for 6 percent pay raises and four employees to add to her 16-person staff.

Residents will be able to give their opinions about the proposed tax increase in coming months. The council is expected to review final recommendations in July. The new tax rate is to be set in September.

Last year, the council heard little or no opposition to a tax increase.

Some agencies even welcome the concept. It would help their causes. Last month, the council received 98 grant proposals from agencies asking for a total of more than $16 million. About $9.2 million is available.